It’s been just over a year since singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr released his album BLOOM, so it was definitely a surprise when he announced his newest full-length project BERNARR. was on its way this spring. But with BLOOM winning the GRAMMY for Best Progressive R&B Album in February and so much change happening for the indie R&B star, it seemed important that he capture this moment in the music. He does that on BERNARR., where he speaks to his success, the pressures that come with it, celebrating the moment and navigating love in all its forms while working with a murderer’s row of high-profile collaborators.
Interestingly enough, the set can seemingly be separated into three sections. The first deals with his success and fame and begins with the gospel and rock-influenced “RIVER,” on which he describes his forceful talent and vision as an unstoppable river carrying him on his path. “HELLO!” continues as he sings of living his dream atop bright, poppy synth production while celebrating the arrival of his time in the spotlight. But the pressures of being the toast of the industry aren’t far away, with “Undivided,” “sleep” and “AM I OKAY?!” each addressing the toll that getting out your dreams can take on one’s mental health.
The middle section perks things up, though, with the funk of “Homesick” acting as a bridge by giving us danceable funk while Durand sings of wanting to be home rather than out on the scene (with the lyrics coyly playing with the idea that he could be singing of a paramour or his own bed). It also marks the album’s first feature, with Vic Mensa dropping off a quick but fun verse.
The funk continues with the Raphael Saadiq-produced “Sugar Family.” The song, which just might be the best thing on the album, speaks to the times as he sings to those needing a little financial help from the entire family in an economy that is getting out of control. “AYO!,” “SHARP,” “EFFORT” and “BLOOM” keep carrying the torch while also showcasing a lot of the fun that went into the creation of the album and surely giving DJs something to get crowds grooving to. Meanwhile, “Waiting” channels a bit of Atlanta bass while guest Big Sean plays off Durand’s vibe and “Wild Ride” rounds things out with a more pop-forward R&B sound.
Speaking of pop-forward, the final section of songs on BERNARR. feels a bit more mainstream than any of the singer’s previous efforts. Perhaps that has to do with the selection of collaborators there. Khalid joins for “soft.,” a floating, synth-driven confection about the way that love makes one feel. “My Life” and “I Found Myself” both have the common thread of hitmaker Johnta Austin’s involvement, with the gifted hands of Bryan-Michael Cox helping to produce the former, and each feels like a throwback to the ’90s crossover sound. And then there’s “10,000 Lifetimes,” a collaboration with the sweet-voiced Sevyn Streeter that mixes in a bit of ’80s nostalgia into a bubbly, hopelessly romantic song that the singers take to beautiful heights.
Admittedly, singles “Wild Ride” and “AM I OKAY?!” had us worried that maybe BERNARR. had veered too far into a new direction too soon after the triumph of BLOOM. But after spending time with the record, it’s a solid effort from Durand Bernarr and shows that he’s able to hold his own while working with some of the most revered names in the business.
Durand Bernarr BERNARR. [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
